K_Kinnison Posted October 24, 2001 Share Posted October 24, 2001 First Toast: “To God, Mother and Country!” Response: “Here!” “Here!” This poem was written to memorialize a suicidal charge by light cavalry over open terrain by British forces in the Battle of Balaclava (Ukraine) on the 25th October 1854 in the Crimean War (1854-56). 247 men of the 637 in the charge were killed or wounded. Britain entered the war, which was fought by Russia against Turkey, Britain and France, because Russia sought to control the Dardanelles. Russian control of the Dardanelles threatened British sea routes. Many in the west best know of this war today because of Florence Nightingale, who trained and led nurses aiding the wounded during the war in a manner innovative for those times. The War was also noteworthy as an early example of work of modern war correspondents. there were Five Regiments of the Light Brigade - the 8th Hussars, the 17th Lancers, the 4th Light Dragoons, the 11th Hussars and the 13th Light Dragoons. Second Toast: [Note fallen comrades & heroes by name] - Then toast, “To Comrades and Heroes lost at Sea or on the Ice, in heat of battle or to the sands of time!” Response: “Death or Glory” Third Toast: “To Wives and Lovers!” Response: “May they Never Meet!” Forth Toast: “To those who have the Courage!” Response: “To the Light Brigade!” “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tenneson. Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. "Forward, the Light Brigade! "Charge for the guns!" he said: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. 2. "Forward, the Light Brigade!" Was there a man dismay'd? Not tho' the soldier knew Someone had blunder'd: Their's not to make reply, Their's not to reason why, Their's but to do and die: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. 3. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volley'd and thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell Rode the six hundred. 4. Flash'd all their sabres bare, Flash'd as they turn'd in air, Sabring the gunners there, Charging an army, while All the world wonder'd: Plunged in the battery-smoke Right thro' the line they broke; Cossack and Russian Reel'd from the sabre stroke Shatter'd and sunder'd. Then they rode back, but not Not the six hundred. 5. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon behind them Volley'd and thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell, They that had fought so well Came thro' the jaws of Death Back from the mouth of Hell, All that was left of them, Left of six hundred. 6. When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made! All the world wondered. Honor the charge they made, Honor the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred. Fifth Toast (must be made with irish wiskey): “A la folie des hommes!" Response: “To male stupidity!” [This message has been edited by K_Kinnison (edited October 24, 2001).] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JR2000Z Posted October 25, 2001 Share Posted October 25, 2001 The last line was all worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Thrawn Posted October 26, 2001 Share Posted October 26, 2001 One of the many reasons why Britain's NAVY was the best at the time in the world. Besides, Britain has had many stupid calvalry charges. ------------------ "Here, people don't lock their doors, they deadbolt them, and then stick a chair under the knob." ThRaWn90,RAL_Thrawn,SOB_Thrawn Rogue 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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